Push-button electric switch



E. F. MEKELBURG PUSH-BUTTON ELECTRIC SWITCH March 10, 1953 2 SHEETS-#SHEET 1 Original Filed March'29, 1946 March 10, 1953 E. F. MEKELBURC} PUSH-BUTTON ELECTRIC SWITCH Original Filed March 29, 1946 2 SI-IEETS-SHEET 2 IN VEN TOR. 12,1 rye/291;

a .push button operatorffor electric switche having'selector'means for determining the character sion of 1a :push 'button foperator iior "electric IVIV ofFigure B.

Patented Mar. 10, 1953 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PU'SH BUTT(;: :::Z TRIC SWITCH Earl-F. Mklbiitg, Wauwatosa, Wis., :assignor to Square'DCompany, Detroit, Mich, acorporazfiOIl-Of. Michigan Original application March 29, '1946, SeriaYNo.

"658,284, now Patent No, 254885982, dated N0- -'veniber '22, 1949. Divided'- andthis-' application February 21,1949, Serial l\I0. 27,489 I Claims.

'This application :is a division of-application The invention herein described :relates to %a push button operator for ielectric switches .in which the switching operation is effectedaby rectilinear movement of the operating member.

:One objectof the invention isthe provision of of switch operation in responseto ,operation of thepushbutton.

Another object of'thetinventionwisJthe proviswitch'es having I rotary means :for -selectin'g the character of the switching operation 9 responsive to operationiof the' push button.

. Another object .of the iiinvention is theflprovision of a push button operator Lfor electric switches having "rotary means for eiiecting certain switch operations and push 'button' means for efiecting 7 other "switch I operations, with the rotary'means determiningthe character of the push button operation.

Other object :and -features of the invention will-be readily apparent to those skilled'in the art from'the specification and --'appended drawoperatormounted in a panel.

Figure 3 is a detail sectional-view on "the line III--III of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a detail sectional View onth'e line Fi'gure5is a partial view-similar to Figure 2 but showing theparts with the rotaryiselectorin 'VIIVII of Figure-,5.

Figure 8 is :-a sectional view :on the v line VIII-VIII of Figure" 5.

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic T representation :of 1

the operation of the electric switch 5 indiifer- "ent' positions 'oflthelrotary selector.

The push button Ielectric switch accordin'g to the present: invention, ias ispecifioally illustrated i in' the Idrawinga comprises Ia main -body'iportmn I .having'a reardflange 2 and a rear generally :cup-shaped opening .3. The operator and switch are shown in Figures 2 and 5 in their operating =position mounted upon a sheet'metal panel 4 with the-main-bodyportion I of the operator :extending through a circular opening in the enamel. Between the-flange? and'the panelJI is disposed a-sealing gasket '5 :preventing the entrance 'o'flliquid through the panelopening. A 'Jpin B disposed. in the flange 2 extends into areccessin the back of -the;panel '4 to. locatezthe 0p- ;eratorrand prevent rotation .of its main body zportion.

:Extending from ltherfrontof the main body "portion I is a hollow hub 110i substantial length to provide an elongated :sliding and rotating :bearing 'for' the .stem 8 .of' an operating. push .but- .ton 9. .At the .tinterior end .of :the stem 2811s mounted :an 1 operating disc i I I supported on zthe stem l'by rastud *I'Z rpassingthrough -'a hub =I3 .keyeds against rotation on =anziextension I4 of the Istem 8. LInx'frontofthe mainbody :portion Iis mounted a generally cup-shaped guard'IS within which thepush ibutton 9 islreciprocable. The guard :I'5 is rotatable "about thehub land is :maintained 'in :position by :a sleeve t6 pressed .ton'the exteriorzsurface"of the hub:I. A-flanged -Ic-u'p=.=shaped'member I-i surrounds the hub I1 and sleeve I hand is provided at its interior :end with :a pacKinggasket IB. A spring' l9 is disposedbeitween ithe fiangeontthefmember I Iv and theinterior 'surface of the hub of push button I9 .and serves not only to 4 bias the push button 9 out- -wardlyybut also to compress :the packinggas- Mioftthe stem 8 and the forwardly .facing: surface "of the hub I to trender the sealing more ieffective.

aOnrth'eL-front .face :of' the :panel is disposed an indicatonplate :2I andin front of the indicator plate is a clamping ring 22 threaded on the main :body portion Iof the operator and clamping against the nameplate .:2 I and panel 4 tomount the switch and operator in position -:to ensure :the eiiectiveness :of .the gasket :5. TheJguard 'I 5 :iabout Sits periphery 1 15' provided with a plurality- :of :"drain .-slots' or;openings 2 3v communicating with the:space;24 wvithin'theaclamping ring 22 i'and'ithe :periphery .of .the vclamping ring 222 is tpro'vided with :a, plurality I of drainage .slots .or :openings :25 1communicating with :the I exterior.

ithin ithesopening C3 in f. the main body porition I faresdispo'sed a pair of integral 'cam'memibers i2 6 and :21 having. inclined surfaces 28 H and -29. :Themperating'disc II -is tprovidedwithza- 3 plurality of cam elements 3I positioned to cooperate with the cam members 26 and 21 when rotated thereagainst to efiect inward movement of the disc II.

The electric switch proper is shown in elevation at 32 since the detailed operating structure thereof forms no part of the present invention. As indicated diagrammatically in Figure 9, the switch is comprised of two double throw switches independently operable. Such switches are conventional and the switch 32 may take any desired. form with rectilinearly movable operating members. These operating members are illustrated at 33 and 34 in the drawing and are reciprocable in the conventional manner to effect disengagement of one set of contacts and engagement of the other set of contacts of each of the switches, the operators 33 and 34' being interiorly biased.

toward their extended position. The flange 2 is provided with a plurality of hubs 35 threaded to receive screws 36 to mount the switch proper in alternate position at the rear of and upon the main body portion I of the operator.

The operating disc II is provided with a slot 31 of a size to permit passage therethrough of the push button operating member 33 and is disposed in front of the operator 33 in one of the two operating positions of the disc II and guard I5. Within the cam members 26 and 21 are disposed springs 38 and balls 39, with the balls 39 received in suitable recesses in the back face of the guard I5 to index it into these two operating positions. The guard I5 is provided with an integral key M on its interior surface cooperating with a slot 42 in the push button 9 to ensure rotation of the push button with rotation of the guard I5 while permitting reciprocatory movement of the push button 9 relative to the guard. The cup-shaped guard I5 is cut away as at 43 over one-half of its periphery to facilitate the: depression of the push button 9 without the necessity of inserting the operators digit within the guard.

In the operation of the push button electric switch according to the present invention, the operation of the contacts of switch 32 upon movement of the push button 9 is controlled by the position of the guard I5. In position I, corresponding to the illustrations in Figures 1 and 2, depression of the push button 9 will move the operating disc II inwardly to move the switch operator 34 to first open the normally closed contacts and thereafter close the normally open contacts diagrammatically shown in Figure 9. During this operation, the slot 31 will pass about the operator 33 without effecting movement thereof. Upon release of the push button 9, the contacts of the switch having operator 34 will return to their initial position under their internal bias and with the push button movement assisting by the spring I9.

When the guard I5 is rotated into its second position, the cam elements 3I on the operating disc I I engage the cam members 26 and 21 within the opening 3 of the main body portion I and will ride to the surface thereof to move the disc II inwardly into the position shown in Figure 5. As the slot 31 is no longer in front of the operator 33, this movement inwardly of disc II effects movement of both the operators 33 and 34 to disengage the normally closed contacts of both switches as shown in full lines in the diagrammatic position 2 of Figure 9. Depression of the push button 9 with the guard I5 in the position of Figure 5 thereafter effects closing of the normally open contacts of both of the switches, since the disc II moves both of the operators 33 and 34. Release of the push button 3 thereafter returns the movable contacts to the intermediate position shown in full lines in the position 2 illustration of Figure 9. To return the contacts of the switches to the position with the normally closed contacts engaged, the guard I5 is rotated back to its initial position whereupon the parts return to the position shown in Figure 2.

It will be understood that while the switch 32: had been diagrammatically shown in Figure 9 as comprising a pair of double throw switches, each having normally open and normally closed contacts, that any combination of switching contacts, single or double throw and normally open or normally closed, are contemplated within the scope of the invention, since a myriad of combinations may be evolved for the various circuit arrangements desired. Also, while the slot 31 has been shown as receiving the operator-33 in only one position of the rotary selector guard, this slot may be made of any length and combined with any desired number of positions of the rotary selector guard to cooperate with any of the desired switching combinations which may be used with the operator to effect the desired circuit controls.

In the sealing feature shown with appli'cants push button operator, this sealing feature being the subject of the aforementioned copending application, Serial No. 658,284 now Patent No. 2,488,982, any liquid such as oil, coolant, or cutting compound which may enter between the push button 9 and the guard I5 is immediately drained through the openings 23 in the guard I5 and the openings 25 in the clamping ring 22 to the exterior of the operator. These liquids are prevented from entering through the panel opening by the gasket 5. The packing gasket I8, effectively pressed against stem 8 and the huh I under the action of the compression spring I9, prevents entrance of the liquid between the stem 8 and the bearing in the hub I. This sealing construction of the operator not only effectively prevents entrance of any liquid entering the guard, but immediately drains off tothe exterior any liquid which so enters. The long hub I not only assures smooth operation, but by extending a substantial distance in front of the surfaceof the guard aids in the seal in preventing an accumulation of liquid at the packing I8. It will, of course, be understood that while the rotary selector guard has been shown in connection with the sealing and draining feature, this invention is in no way limited to use with such, or any, provision for liquid proofing.

While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been specifically disclosed, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto, as many variations will be readily apparent' to those skilled in the art and the invention is to be given its broadest possible interpretation within the terms of the following claims.

What is claimed is :1

1. An electric switch having a rectilinearly movable operator, a manually operated push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging and moving said switch operator, and means for rotating said first mentioned means into a plurality of positions to determine the character of the switch operation to be effected by movement of the push button, rotation of said first mentioned meansefiecting a partial rectilinearvmovement of saidpush button and first mentioned means to effect a switch operation.

2. An electric switch having a rectilinearly movable operator, a manually operated push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging and moving said switch operator, said means in" one position clearing said switch operator and in-another position effecting engagement thereof'to move the same, and means for rotating saidfirst mentionedmeans' intosaid positions to determine the switch operation in response to movement of the push button, rotation of said first mentioned means effecting a partial rectilinear movement thereof to effect a switch operation.

3. An electric switch having a rectilinearly movable operator, a manually operated push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging and moving said switch operator, said means in one position clearing said switch operator and in another position effecting engagement thereof to move the same, means for rotating said first mentioned means into said positions to determine the switch operation in response to movement of the push button, and cam means cooperating upon rotation of said first mentioned means to effect partial rectilinear movement thereof to effect a switch operation.

4. In a push button electric switch, a pair of independent switching means having independent rectilinearly movable operators, an operating push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging said switch operators, said means having a plurality of positions in at least one of which it clears at least one of said switch operators so as not to effect movement thereof upon movement of the push button, means for rotating said first mentioned means into said plurality of positions to determine the switch operation to be effected upon movement of the push button, position determining movement of said first mentioned means being accompanied by a partial rectilinear movement of the push button and first mentioned means to effect a switch operation.

5. In a push button electric switch, a pair of independent switching means having independent rectilinearly movable operators, an operating push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging said switch operators, said means having a plurality of positions in at least one of which it clears at least one of said switch operators so as not to effect movement thereof upon movement of the push button, means for rotating said first mentioned means into said plurality of positions to determine the switch operation to be effected upon movement of the push button, and cam means operable upon rotation of said first mentioned means for effecting partial rectilinear movement thereof to effect a switch operation.

6. In a push button electric switch, a pair of independent switching means having independent rectilinearly movable operators, an operating push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging said switch operators, said means having a plurality of positions in at least one of which it clears at least one of said switch operators so as not to effect movement thereof upon movement of the push button, and means for rotating said first mentioned means into said plurality of positions to determine the switch operation to be effected upon movement of the push button, said first mentioned means in one position engaging only one of said switching operators-upon movement of said push button, rotation of said first mentioned means to a second position effecting partial rectilinearmovement thereof and engaging both of said switch operators to effect a switch operation, movement of said push button with said first mentioned means in said second position effecting further rectilinear movement of both of said switch operators to effect another switch operation.

7. An electric switch having a rectilinearly movable operator, a manually operated push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging and moving said switch operator, and means for rotating said first mentioned means, into a plurality of positions to determine the switch operation effected by movement of the push button, said second mentioned means comprising a rotatable guard shield about said push button and keyed thereto to effect rotation of the push button and first mentioned means while permitting rectilinear movement of the push button relative to the guard.

8. An electric switch having a rectilinearly movable operator, a manually operated push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging and moving said switch operator, said means in one position clearing said switch operator and in another position effecting engagement thereof to move the same, and means for rotating said push button and said first mentioned means into said positions to determine the switch operation in response to movement of the push button, said second mentioned means comprising a rotatable guard shield about said push button and keyed thereto to effect rotation of the push button and first mentioned means while permitting rectilinear movement of the push button relative to the guard.

9. An electric switch having a rectilinearly movable operator, a manually operated push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging and moving said switch operator, means for rotating said first mentioned means into a plurality of positions to vary the switch operation efiected by movement of said push button, the rotation of said first mentioned means by said second mentioned means effecting a switch operation without manual manipulation of the push button, said second mentioned means comprising a rotatable guard shield about said push button and keyed thereto to effect rotation of the push button and first mentioned means while permitting rectilinear movement of the push button relative to the guard.

10. An electric switch having a rectilinearly movable operator, a manually operated push button, means rectilinearly movable with said push button for engaging and moving said switch operator, said means in one position clearing said witch operator and in another position effecting engagement thereof to move the same, means for rotating said push button and said first mentioned means into said ositions to determine the switch operation in response to movement of the push button, said second mentioned means comprising a guard shield about said push button and keyed thereto to effect rotation of the push button and first mentioned means while permitting rectilinear movement of the push button relative to the guard, a stem on said push button on which said first mentioned means is mounted, a bearing for said stem, means for sealing the stem against passage of liquid through said bearings, and drainage openings in said guard for venting liquid entering about the push button.

EARL F. MEKELBURG.

REFERENCES CITED Number Name Date Ellerd-Styles June 10, 1919 10 Number 8 Name Date Byles July 20, 1926 Winning Dec. 18, 1928 Evans Nov. 29, 1932 Blose Aug. 29, 1933 Van Valkenburg Jan. 12, 1943 Robbins Sept. 12, 1944 Fleischmann Nov. 2, 1948 Mekelburg Nov. 22, 1949 Tregoning Feb. 21, 1950 

